Why Teach Self-Regulation?

Regulation is something everyone continually works on, whether we are aware of it or not. We all encounter trying circumstances that can test our limits. If we can recognise when we are becoming less regulated, we are able to do something about it to manage our feelings and get ourselves to a healthy place. This comes more naturally for some, but for others it is a skill that needs more attention and practice. This is the goal of The Zones of Regulation, to teach children the tools they need to regulate themselves.

We all have feelings - they are part of everyone. We feel different things at different times depending on what happens to us.

Feelings: the emotional or physical response to the emotion (e,g, getting hot when feeling angry).

Emotions: that of happy, sad, angry etc.

Sorting Our Emotions into Four Zones

Emotions are complicated! They come in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy that are unique within our brains and bodies. To make them easier to talk about, understand, and be able to regulate, the ZOR organises emotions into four coloured Zones – Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red.

The simple, common language and visual structure of ZOR helps make the complex skill of regulation more concrete for learners and those who support them. We learn to regulate our Zones to meet our goals and task demands, as well as support our overall well- being.